Components

Warrior Mindset. WT trains Sailors to approach tasks utilizing the Warrior Mindset, which is a high performance model that emphasizes a cycle of commitment, preparation, execution, and reflection. When completed repeatedly, this continuum builds and sustains toughness while progressing toward peak performance.
 

Toughness vs Resilience. Every piece of equipment has a maintenance manual – a set of routine procedures to keep it in good working order. Every piece of equipment also has an operations manual – one that has the procedures to get the highest levels of performance out of that gear. Resilience programs keep us in good working order, toughness programs get us to perform optimally.

Resilience programs (such as Expanded Operational Stress Control, or E-OSC) focus on improving overall health and well-being, including increasing the ability to withstand and recover from adversity. Toughness programs, including WT, focus on increasing performance on specific tasks (in this case, warfighting). Tough individuals are able to give their best-ever performance, even under high-pressure situations like combat and high-risk training. WT takes this further to ensure we are executing our warfighting skills ethically, demonstrating good character. Both resilience and toughness are needed for human optimization. Although there is some overlap, research shows individuals can be resilient, but not tough (and vice versa). Studies also show they are two different attributes which require unique training to develop them.

Character Attributes. Inspired by the CNO’s A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority and underscored in the NAVPLAN, the WT curriculum illustrates the connection between the core attributes – initiative, integrity, accountability, and toughness – and performance through the use of case studies and vignettes.

 
Performance Psychology Skills. Through applied skills training, Sailors are provided empirically-based mindfulness and performance psychology techniques proven to enhance the ability to perform at peak capacity. The skills taught are: Recalibrate, Mindfulness, Goal Setting, Self-Talk, Mental Rehearsal, and Energy Management.